Back in 1993, I was working as a dish washer at Coco's in Olympia, Washington, a coffee shop chain, working for minimum wage. I had no health care coverage, was 27, and thought I was healthy and didn't need it. Was I dead wrong.
While working there, I had very severe symptoms that prevented me from working. I ended up doing the normal routine of going to the emergency room at the last minute to get treated. I was diagnosed with type one diabetes.
Well, that is a death sentance for someone with no health care coverage. On top of that, I had a nice ER bill due to the doctors checking me into the hospital for a few days to stabilize my blood sugar. A very dear friend of mine lent me about a hundred dollars so that I could buy a test kit, and some insulin. I applied for chariety so that my medical bill and hospital stay was covered. But this did not address the life long dependency of having to take insulin.

Fortunately, I am also a veteran. I served in the army during the 80s, and I could go to the VA Hospital. I was able/am currently able to get insulin, see a doctor, etc.

I am alive ONLY because of socialized medicine. Today, I work as a contract software tester, where I have sporatic employment contract stints. I still go to the VA Hospital for insulin and to see a doctor, because the private insurance I have, which is sporatic, isn't very good.

I support single payer, or socialized medicine. Either one will allow me to live. The current system does NOT work. It is a death sentance.

This brings up an interesting question: What are minimum wage type 1 diabetics supposed to do to stay alive? Me? I am able to go the VA Hospital. But what if I wasn't a veteran? Simple: I'd be dead.
What do you need from me for support of a single payer system, or a socialized medicine?

Samwise Galenorn